Kuznetsova overpowered Schiavone to secure Russia victory

The world number two saved two match points in the second set tie-break before hitting back to win 4-6 7-6 7-5.

It was the 22-year-old's seventh win in nine meetings over her opponent.

Favourites Russia had enjoyed a commanding 2-0 lead after day one when US Open finalist Kuznetsova and Anna Chakvetadze both won their singles.

Kuznetsova had crushed Mara Santangelo 6-1 6-2 while Chakvetadze was given more of a match by Schiavone, before winning 6-4 4-6 6-4.

But on Sunday, Kuznetsova looked frustrated for much of her match with the combative Schiavone.

After surviving her second set tie-breaker to force the third set, she broke in the ninth game with the help of two net-cords to lead 5-4.

Kuznetsova's Russia team-mates celebrate her win

Schiavone, star of Italy's 3-2 semi-final victory over France in July, when she won all three of her matches, battled back brilliantly to level at 5-5.

But Kuznetsova had the last word, gaining another break in the next game, then coming back from 0-30 to win the last four points in the match and securing victory after two hours 45 minutes.

"I was really too nervous today, especially at the beginning," Kuznetsova said. "Later I managed to settle down and find my rhythm.

"Francesca played well, it was probably her best match in recent years. But our fans and my team-mates' support really helped.

"I also felt slightly better physically prepared for today's match."